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CLUSTER CRAFTS FAIR

Cluster Crafts is pleased to welcome Design Editor and Creative Director, Roddy Clarke
to our Artist in Residency Programme as a Jury mentor. Contributing to titles including Forbes,
and the Financial Times to name a few, Roddy highlights projects with a focus on Sustainability
and circular design. With an ecological view, Roddy will bring an insightful perspective
to the programme and selected Residency Artist.

With your focus on projects tackling sustainability
and materiality, what further aspects in the craft sector
do you feel designers should be tackling now
and what examples have you seen?

While it may sound daunting, time really isn’t on our side in the race against climate change. However, so many designers have recognised this and are changing the landscape of many industries
in a bid for a circular economy.

For existing designers and emerging makers I would encourage you
to question your purpose and how you can challenge structures
and production systems. From the outset of a design project,
begin with the second life of the product in mind.

Can it be recycled, repurposed, restored or reused? Are the systems
in place for it to be put back into the system when it’s first life ends?
Can you, as the designer, take responsibility for this? Thinking with
this mindset will inevitably result in solutions which not only encourage consumer behaviour to shift but also allow a circular economy to thrive and flourish going forward. For example, Danish design brand TAKT, launched the Cross chair design which is a modular,
flat-pack dining chair.

While being made from ethically and sustainably sourced materials,
the flat-pack design reduces its logistical carbon footprint and each component can be replaced individually if damaged.
While this may be a simple example, the chair offers a quality,
design-led, affordable circular solution. The materials can be sent back
to be recycled as well as repairs being carried out to ensure the loop
is closed on the production of each piece. 

IKEA Sweden is now set to sell refurbished wares
and Selfridges, a repair concierge. For a designer looking
to focus their practice on sustainability, what criteria should they set and how would this vary depending on the stage
of their career?

While IKEA did introduce the very concept of ‘fast furniture’,
and drove down the price and quality of the industry, which has since led to many destructive practices taking hold - both ethically
and environmentally - I am glad to hear they are now adopting
new initiatives such as this. I would still question however, is this going
to result in less cheap, poor quality and ‘disposable’ furniture being produced from the global outfit? Ikea aside, I think every designer should incorporate the notion of repair and restoration into their service.
Not only does it close the loop on production, offering a repair service can provide another revenue stream and between commissions
could result in the level of work being maintained. A focus
on sustainability shouldn’t vary through a designer’s career, it should always be there. From the very outset of their first commission!
If values such as equality, circularity and transparency are embedded into a designers mindset, they will govern each decision
and developmental stage the studio embarks on. It should never be seen as an add-on but an underlying principle which is inherent
within the company.

A sustainable creative practice could take many forms, exploring new materials, bio-materials and sustainable production methods to name a few. If a designer is unable
to change all aspects towards a sustainable future,
how might a designer ‘weigh-up’ which aspects to focus on when it comes to the creation of a sustainable practice?

I always quote, "Sustainability is a journey, not a destination”.
As we know, our knowledge is adapting each month on the best decisions to make so it is impossible to call yourself 100% sustainable - that is greenwashing! However, a true commitment to change will never go unnoticed and you don’t have to shout about it. If it is there it will
be obvious to your audience. Some changes come down to a question of affordability so it is important to ensure you put a plan in place
to achieve goals which are realistic according to your financial commitments. Don’t compare yourselves to others, don’t point the finger and know that your efforts, even if it is one step at a time, all make
a difference no matter how small! Your passion and determination
for change will also encourage others in your circle to follow suit which
is extremely valuable! Never underestimate the power of individual change.

In the return to the “new normal”, Roddy Clarke joins Cluster Crafts Residency Programme as a Jury Member. What inspired you to join Cluster’s Residency and what creative aspects do you see in the project?

I think the Craft sector unlocks new ways of thinking and we can learn a lot from it.
I am excited to witness a new wealth of talent coming forward with ideas which
will challenge the status quo and showcase a future-forward approach to design
and production. For me, I find inspiration from designers who look at the industry
from an outsider’s perspective and have not been boxed into a specific sector
and therefore think with no limits attached. It’s where I have seen the most bold, courageous and inspiring ideas and for me that provides hope!


Why are artist in residency programmes a valuable experience
for creatives and what do you feel can be gained from this type
of experience?

Such programmes help to give some grounding to creatives in the early stages
of their career. It connects them directly with industry contacts and gives them a glimpse into the workings of a commercial studio. It's a valuable experience which helps
to take them to the next level as a designer and is often a process which will guide
and influence them for years to come. 


As a mentor how would you approach your mentorship sessions
with the artist in residence? Your role will provide support on the artists project during the residency whilst observing their practice as a whole. What would you like to hear from the artist? 

I love hearing the narratives and inspirations behind the work and for me,
this is what I am looking forward to. While I can be challenging, and will most likely pose questions to provoke thoughts around purpose and change, I hope to find minds
that are willing to adapt in order to disrupt wider circles going forward. I want to witness passion, determination and a strong sense of commitment to a brighter, positive future
for all through the wonders and beauty that design and craft continues to unfold.